Requests RS to let him know how much JH owes him for the books by Francis Baily, which RS purchased for him. Has received RS's pamphlet [on the Liverpool Observatory].

Put no confidence in [Francesco] DeVico's drawing of the nebula of Orion. JH has a better one now at the engravers. Notes that DeVico has left out the 'real' 6th star in 'Trapezio.'

Left prints of Francis Baily for JH, and will send a pamphlet about a long standing controversy in which RS was involved.

About trying to convert some surveys to a base using RS's standard yard.

Having difficulty drawing the Great Nebula in Orion using both JH's and [Francesco] De Vico's observations; prints of Francis Baily are almost ready.

Requests information from RS on the life of Francis Baily for a biographical sketch JH was asked to draw up for a special meeting of the R.A.S.]

Sent his letter of 2 Oct. to Woburn Place. Has since learned that RS moved to Reading. Requests again information on the life of Francis Baily, especially on Baily's pendulum experiments.

Responds in detail to JH's request [1844-10-12] for RS's assessment of Francis Baily's character and contributions.

Thanks RS for his letter on Francis Baily. Wants a copy of the engraving of Baily's portrait that RS is preparing, and thinks RS ought to make arrangements for its distribution among R.A.S. members.

Supplements earlier letter [1844-10-19] giving JH his views on Francis Baily

[John] Lee has a silhouette of Caroline Herschel as a young lady; would JH like it? Discusses whether JH should include Francis Baily's relationship to his family in JH's memoir on Baily. Names those to whom he plans to give copies of Baily's portrait.

Does not think Francis Baily's relatives should take part in JH's presentation on Baily to the R.A.S., but if they have asked to do so, they should not be refused. Would like a copy of Caroline Herschel's silhouette. Is'facing the engraver's hands' with his nebula, and must get the plate of JH's portrait, which RS placed at the disposal of the Duke of Northumberland.

Adds remarks to his previous comments [JH 1344-11-17] on Francis Baily's relatives participating in the memorial to Baily.

Clarifies a point raised in an earlier letter about JH being the proper person to deal with the relatives of Francis Baily. On the mishandling of arrangements for Baily's portrait by the R.A.S. On [W. S.] Stratford's poor leadership in this matter.

Cannot attend the testimonial committee meeting, but recommends that for a R.A.S. testimonial, a well written parchment would be far more effective than a bound book.

Judges the unfinished portrait of Francis Baily a faithful rendering, although he is portrayed without the glasses, which he usually wore. Fears the intractability of [W. S.] Stratford and its implications for the workings of the R.A.S. Council. On the dispute between [W. R.] Dawes and [George] Bishop and how to resolve it.

[Detached postscript] Asks JH's opinion of new apparatus that [William] Simms will soon put on paper.

Will help with the dispute between [W. R.] Dawes and [George] Bishop, provided certain things are understood by all the parties involved; enumerates these. Will speak as discretely as he can with [W. S.] Stratford.

More on the matter of [W. R.] Dawes and [George] Bishop. Dawes deserves credit for the observation and reduction; Bishop for being 'founder & proprietor.' On JH's ability to mediate such situations, because he is so well liked. Confident in Bishop's 'good sense,' once he knows that he is being placed in JH's hands.

George Bishop refuses permission for W. R. Dawes to edit Dawes's own observations. Portrait of Francis Baily should be nearly finished. Auction of Baily's books. Plans to start over 'de novo' and not use Baily's method for evaluating standards of measure. Convinced that standards must be connected with Ordnance survey of U.K. and T. F. Colby's units.